EFL Reviews National League’s Third Promotion Spot
The EFL Board is set to discuss the National League’s request for three promotion and relegation spots. This meeting will take place on Thursday and could lead to a broader discussion at the 72-club meeting scheduled for next month. The National League has been advocating for an increase in promotion slots to League Two, pushing for change from the current two spots to three.
EFL and National League Promotion Debate
The proposed change aims to align the promotion structure of the National League with that of the Premier League and Championship. Currently, only one club earns automatic promotion to League Two, while the remaining promotion spot is contested through post-season play-offs among teams finishing between second and seventh.
Historical Context of Promotion in EFL
The practice of clubs gaining admission to the EFL has undergone significant changes. Until 1987, whether a club was allowed entry relied solely on a vote by existing member clubs. It was during this year that automatic promotion was first introduced, with Scarborough being the inaugural club to benefit from this change.
Current Promotion Structure
- One club receives automatic promotion by winning the National League.
- The second promotion place is determined through play-offs among teams finishing in the top seven.
The push for additional promotion slots reflects ongoing discussions regarding competitive equity in English football. As the EFL considers this request, the outcome could reshape the landscape of national level football in the coming seasons.
